Indian-Designed Smartphones Set for 2028 Launch, Says Minister
Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw promises Indian-designed and manufactured smartphones by 2028, aiming to rival global giants.
By October 2028, India plans to launch its own branded smartphones.
The initiative follows successful designs by Indian companies for US telecom providers.
The Minister highlights a shift in manufacturing policies since 2014, promoting 'Make in India'.
In a bold announcement, Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw declared that India will introduce its own line of smartphones by October 2028, designed and manufactured domestically. Speaking at the NDTV World Summit in Delhi, Vaishnaw emphasized the ambition to establish an Indian equivalent to global smartphone leaders like Apple and Samsung, stating, "This is 23 October 2026. Please note it: 23 October 2028. You will have Indian-designed, Indian-manufactured, Indian-branded mobile phones."
Vaishnaw's comments come in the context of India's growing capabilities in electronics manufacturing. He recounted a challenge posed to Indian designers three years ago to create a printed circuit board (PCB) for mobile phones. This initiative has reportedly led to successful designs, with one company securing a contract to supply a 5G mobile phone to a major US telecom provider. This development marks a significant milestone in India's electronics sector, showcasing the potential for domestic innovation.
The Minister elaborated on the complexities of mobile phone design, highlighting the intricate components that must fit into a compact device, including antennas, memory, and power management systems. He noted that the successful design and delivery of a mobile phone to the US market demonstrates India's growing technological prowess and readiness to compete on a global scale.
Vaishnaw also addressed historical challenges faced by the manufacturing sector in India, attributing past stagnation to restrictive policies from previous governments. He praised the current government's 'Make in India' initiative, which he claims has revitalized the manufacturing landscape. According to him, electronics have become a significant export item for India, now ranking as the third-largest exported category, with aspirations to rise to second place soon.
Looking ahead, the Minister expressed confidence that the upcoming Indian-branded smartphones will capture a substantial market share, driven by domestic design and manufacturing capabilities. He urged stakeholders to recognize the transformative journey of India's electronics industry and its potential to reshape the global market landscape by 2028.
